Statistical aspects of size effects in quasibrittle fracture

This discussion focuses on the generalization of a Weibull theory to quasibrittle materials such as concrete, ice, rock, tough ceramics and composites. After briefly reviewing the statistical weakest link model, the differences in failure process between metal structures that fail at initiation of macroscopic crack growth are reviewed. It is explained why the classical Weibull theory cannot capture the stress redistributions caused by large stable crack growth prior to failure. In connection to this, a simpler variant of the nonlocal statistical theory of size effect in quasibrittle structures is also presented.